We are The Willow Branch Collective

Our Story

Kate and Annmarie worked together in community mental health. After several years, the environment became unhealthy and burnout was unavoidable. They dreamed up The Willow Branch Collective as a way to have autonomy over their clinical work while feeling connected to a team of therapists. The members of the community they have built all have the same story - burnout, difficult working conditions, job insecurity. Now they have created an environment to have healthy work life boundaries, support, and security.

We are called The Willow Branch because of the resilience of the willow tree. When a branch breaks off a willow, that branch alone can grow its own strong independent root system. That's what we are. Each of us is a branch that decided it was time to trust ourselves and put down our own roots. But we wanted to do it together - because it takes more than one tree to build a forest.

Meet The Members

Looking for a new therapist? Our therapists are all in private practice, which means they set their own rates, take different insurances, and have varied in-person and virtual availability. They hold a variety of specialties and professional experience, each one integrating their own approach into their care. If you are interested in working with any of our therapists, please contact them directly through their email or website. If you are unsure who would be the best fit, fill out our Client Contact Form and the therapist with the next availability who meets your needs will get back to you.

Kate Eckstine, LCPC

Co-Founder

Theia Wellness

Bio: Licensed in Maryland.

Specialties: LGBTQIA+, Nature-Informed Therapy, Covid-cautious, Neurodivergent-affirming

Insurance: Self pay (OON, will provide superbills for reimbursement)

For more info: theiawellness.com

Contact: kate@theiawellness.com

Annmarie Chiarini, LCPC

Co-Founder

Rising Tides Counseling

Bio: Licensed in Maryland.

Specialties: ADHD Assessment

Insurance: INN with Aetna, Medicaid, Optum, United Healthcare, Carefirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield

For more info: risingtidesllc.org

Contact: annmarie@risingtidesllc.org

Kate DeRaffele, LCPAT, ATR-BC

KHD Art Therapy & Counseling

Bio: Licensed in Maryland, Kate aims to create a safe and affirming space for people to heal and feel heard, respected and empowered. she specializes in interpersonal dynamics, including attachment ruptures and conflict resolution. She can also help with navigating life transitions, grief and loss, trauma-informed care, and improving self-concept associated with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and chronic stress.

Specialties: Art Therapy

Insurance: INN with Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, Carefirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield

For more info: Kate's Website

Johanna Howe, LCPC